Evans Cycles... Have you bought a bike from them?

[Globalti]

I often find myself wondering how many people have tried cycling then given up because they've been sold an unsuitable bike or an ill-fitted bike.

 

[Sittingduck]

Nothing wrong with Evans, whatsoever. There may be a difference between one person's idea of what a 'bike fit' is and what the general CC population think a bike fit service is.

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

There's a difference between setting the bike up to fit you and having a bike fit done for you. Setting a bike up to fit you is a rough and ready eyeball option in my opinion and that is nothing more than you would get in any bike shop. A full bike fit on the other hand takes an hour or more from what I have read and requires training and experience and more equipment and time than any bike shop would give free of charge.

I have purchased 2 bikes from Evans over the years. 1 on the ride to work scheme and the other an emergency purchase on a bank holiday when very few other ships were open and I needed a bike fit the following day and everyday of that week. Neither time I have had out expected to have a full bike fit. Both times they have ensured I have the right side bike and adjusted the bike to roughly the correct settings. The road bike was surprisingly well set up and I only made a 1mm adjustment to the seat height. The bike was also checked over by their mechanics before I was allowed to take it away.

 

[vickster]

Wimbledon have a couple of turbos. I'd expect they'd stick the bike on and do basic saddle position tweaks if you asked. Especially if the shop weren't busy. They do test rides so I'd assume the size of the bike to be correct, more or less

I think as with all chains, service and knowledge will vary a bit branch to branch

 

[bozmandb9]

Yes, to answer that question, I just thought that is what they did.... Again, like I said, if they don't do this then fair enough! I have never bought a bike straight from a bike shop so didn't know what to expect! I did read a review from an Evans customer who had said that they made sure the bike fit them before they left the store.... That is all.....
Thank you all for your replies, I appreciate it.

I think you're quite right. Any retailer would surely set up a bike correctly. Any half decent retailer would change stem handlebars etc to get the fit correct. Did you not ask them to set the second bike up for you?

 

[Drago]

No one can set a bike up correctly in 10 minutes. They may get a well in the ballpark, but only you know once you've ridden it a while that it's a bit heavy on the wrists and needs the bars rotating a few degrees, or you could do with the seat back a few mm to get your shoulders down when in the drops. No one, but nO one, not even these self proclaimed bike specialists, can fit a bike properly to you in one sitting.

 

[Roadrider48]

I think you're quite right. Any retailer would surely set up a bike correctly. Any half decent retailer would change stem handlebars etc to get the fit correct. Did you not ask them to set the second bike up for you?

Some online retailers give you the option to change the stock stem and bars and cranks and so on. But in a shop where the bike comes out of a box from the manufacturer I don't think the "build" would include this, unless you are prepared to pay extra for a different stem length or narrower handlebars for example.
But @vickster touches on a good point with regard to service varying from branch to branch.

 

[vickster]

@Drago I'm assuming that's what the OP wanted? Evans don't offer a full fit service anyhow

 

[Drago]

I read it as he wanted the bike set up to fit him. Ain't never gonna happen.

 

[vickster]

No although some companies do include retul or similar in cost

 

[xxDarkRiderxx]

Purchases a few bikes from them!!! Yep all they would do is saddle and handle bar height, not a proper bike fit.

 

[bozmandb9]

Seems a bi

Some online retailers give you the option to change the stock stem and bars and cranks and so on. But in a shop where the bike comes out of a box from the manufacturer I don't think the "build" would include this, unless you are prepared to pay extra for a different stem length or narrower handlebars for example.
But @vickster touches on a good point with regard to service varying from branch to branch.

Seems a bit stupid that you can get more personalisation buying a bike off the net, than at a LBS doesn't it!? If I owned a bike brand, I would ensure that every shop kept a supply of components to ensure at least basic fit, i.e. stems, handlebars etc. You shouldn't have to pay for it either. Already paying an extra 30% to buy from a shop, so this sort of service should be the least they do to add value.

 

[Roadrider48]

Seems a bi


Seems a bit stupid that you can get more personalisation buying a bike off the net, than at a LBS doesn't it!? If I owned a bike brand, I would ensure that every shop kept a supply of components to ensure at least basic fit, i.e. stems, handlebars etc. You shouldn't have to pay for it either. Already paying an extra 30% to buy from a shop, so this sort of service should be the least they do to add value.

Yeah, it happened to me when I bought my BMC Teammachine from Evans. I had to change the stem and saddle at the point of purchase. I chose new ones and they did fit them as part of the build but I had to pay £95 for the saddle and £40 for the stem. And they gave me the stock parts they'd replaced in a carrier bag. I just took that as being normal tbh.

 

[Banjo]

I think the question is did Moe ask them to adjust it to fit.

I have bought 2 bikes from Evans and neither were adjusted for me but I did show up with an under seat bag with tools in to do it myself.

On one bike the staff pointed out a tiny scratch I hadn't noticed myself then the manager was called to authorise a suitable price reduction .

Im certain that had I asked for bike fit help or advice I would have got it .

 

[Roadrider48]

I think the question is did Moe ask them to adjust it to fit.

I have bought 2 bikes from Evans and neither were adjusted for me but I did show up with an under seat bag with tools in to do it myself.

On one bike the staff pointed out a tiny scratch I hadn't noticed myself then the manager was called to authorise a suitable price reduction .

Im certain that had I asked for bike fit help or advice I would have got it .

The same thing happened to me in Evans. They pointed out a small chip on the seat stay and I got a 10% discount. Which was great because I doubt I would have ever noticed it was that small.